About Relay For Life

At Relay For Life, no one faces cancer alone. These events bring together teams of family, friends and colleagues to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those we’ve lost and commit to raising funds to fight all types of cancer. Relay For Life is a community of people fighting back against cancer.

Relay For Life is a festival-like fundraising event where team members take turns walking around a track or designated path. Our events are 6 to 12 hours in length, depending on the location. Each team taking part is asked to have at least one member on the track at all times to symbolize the ongoing fight against cancer. On and off track, there is always something to do at Relay For Life. Those taking a break from walking can check out the entertainment and many activities, or relax at their team’s campsite.

Celebrate cancer survivors

If you are a cancer survivor, cancer-free or living with the disease, we want to celebrate you! When you register as a survivor for Relay For Life, you will be honoured during the first lap of the relay - the Survivors’ Victory Lap.

Remember those we’ve lost

When our loved ones are diagnosed with or die from cancer, we feel an urge to do something. The Luminary Ceremony at Relay For Life provides a beautiful way for you to honour or remember your loved one.

Fight back against cancer

At Relay For Life, we walk to raise funds that fight all types of cancer through world-class research, services for patients and their families, cancer prevention initiatives and advocacy on important cancer-related issues.

Register

What to expect

Many participants choose to form a team to honour a cancer survivor or in memory of a lost loved one. These teams often wear matching costumes or decorate their team’s area. Register your team today!

Register now

Relay participants are welcomed during the Opening Ceremony.

Next is the Survivors’ Victory Lap through which cancer survivors, those who are cancer-free or living with the disease are cheered on by all participants in an emotional wave of celebration and support.

Participants enjoy music, food, fun activities and entertainment.

During the Luminary Ceremony, candles are placed in hundreds of bags emblazoned with messages or names of loved ones. These tributes also provide light and inspiration to participants. Luminaries can be purchased online or on-site at each event.

Buy a luminary

Team members take turns walking throughout the event to symbolize the ongoing fight against cancer.

Participants join together during the Closing Ceremony to celebrate what we have achieved collectively through the event.

Find an event near you

About the Canadian Cancer Society

We are Canada’s cancer voice.

We fund the most promising cancer research, provide trusted information, help bring about healthy public policies and offer support services. We are changing lives for the better so that all Canadians live more fully.

Start by finding an event near you.

415

events

110 000+

participants nationwide

over $25M

raised

Cancer Changes Everything. So Can You. Tell your friends and family about Relay For Life!